Can I pay the council instead of the bailiffs?

If you have a bailiff company on your heels, it can feel scary. But don’t worry; we’re here to help guide you through it.

This guide explains the taking-control-of-goods rules in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different enforcement procedures. Seek free independent debt advice if a visit, removal or sale is imminent.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to pay the council instead of the bailiffs.
• How to check whether enforcement fees are lawfully due.
• Ways to reduce the cost of the bailiff.
• How to get advice on a suitable debt solution.
• How council tax enforcement differs from a County Court judgment.

We know that dealing with bailiffs can be tough. You might be worried about them coming to your home or taking your things. But we understand your worries, and we’re here to help you feel more at ease.

Are you ready to get some solid advice on dealing with your bailiff problems? If so, let’s get started.

Can I Avoid Paying the Fees?

Paying the council directly does not automatically remove enforcement fees already lawfully incurred. Notify both the council and agent and ask for a written balance and confirmation of whether enforcement has stopped. If the council recalls the case or the agent returns it, ask what happens to any fees; return of a case is not a universal cancellation rule.

Can I Reduce the Cost?

For relevant non-High Court action under the rules effective from 1 May 2026, the compliance fee is £79. Paying the full enforceable balance and that fee before the enforcement stage starts can avoid the £247 enforcement fee and any applicable percentage addition. Earlier action has transitional protection. Confirm the exact balance and payment deadline with the agent. See related guidance.

Can the Debt Be Sent Back to the Council?

An enforcement company may return an unsuccessful case to the council, but there is no automatic rule requiring this after a fixed number of visits or failed attempts to enter. Eligible goods outside the home may still be controlled, and the council may consider other recovery methods.

If a bailiff comes to your home, it’s important not to let them in. Keep your doors locked and only speak to them through a closed, secured door.

An earlier visit alone does not authorise forced re-entry. Reasonable force may be available to recover goods already controlled after the repayment terms of a controlled goods agreement are breached, but only if the statutory conditions and required notice are satisfied. Get urgent advice if forced re-entry is threatened.

Tell the bailiff you will call the office to arrange payment. Work out how much you can pay or what instalments you can afford to pay if you’re unable to pay in full. Have evidence to support your proposed amount with proof of your income. This could be a payslip, bank statement or benefits letters.

Vulnerability depends on the person’s circumstances and how enforcement affects them. Tell the enforcement company and creditor about your needs, provide relevant evidence if available, and ask for suitable adjustments. A diagnosis or membership of a particular group does not automatically cancel the debt, stop all visits or remove all fees.

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How Much Can They Charge?

For relevant non-High Court enforcement under the rules effective from 1 May 2026, the compliance fee is £79, the enforcement fee is £247, and the sale or disposal fee is £116. The latter two stages each add 7.5% of the debt above £1,900. Earlier enforcement action has transitional protection. These are not the fee rules for court-employed County Court bailiffs. The fee image below is a historical illustration showing earlier rates; use the current figures in this paragraph and obtain an itemised calculation.

[https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/bailiffs/how-bailiffs-should-treat-you/check-bailiffs-fees]

Only disbursements allowed by the fee regulations can be recovered, and the relevant conditions and reasonableness requirements apply. They can include: See related guidance.

• Permitted, reasonably and actually incurred storage costs.
• Permitted locksmith costs where the underlying entry or security action is lawful.
• A court application fee where it is recoverable under the applicable rules.
• Permitted auction and sale expenses, within the statutory conditions and limits.

Some specified disbursements are allowed without a separate court order; other exceptional expenses need court approval. Ask for an itemised account, the legal basis for each charge and a receipt for payments. Get advice if a charge appears wrong rather than assuming every extra cost is valid. See related guidance.

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Are They Regulated?

Bailiff enforcement is governed by legislation, authorisation and, where applicable, certification. CIVEA is the Civil Enforcement Association, a trade association, not the “Civil Enforcement Authority”. The FCA is not the general regulator for every bailiff action.

After the firm has considered your complaint, check whether the Enforcement Conduct Board can investigate: the firm, activity date and complaint must fall within its scheme. Council complaints may instead fall within the relevant local-government ombudsman process after you complain to the council. Court challenges and urgent requests to stop enforcement are separate.

Complain to the enforcement company and the creditor, identifying the conduct or charge you dispute. For a County Court bailiff employed by HMCTS, complain to the court. A complaint does not itself suspend enforcement or extend a court deadline. The Financial Ombudsman Service is not a general appeal body for bailiff enforcement and does not fine bailiffs. The correct escalation route depends on the agent and creditor: it may involve an eligible enforcement complaints scheme, a council ombudsman complaint or an application to court. Obtain advice on the route and any deadline.

Bailiffs must also follow actual legislation. This includes the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

If you need more advice on complaining about bailiffs, I recommend talking to a debt charity. They will be able to look at your situation in detail and advise you on your best next steps.